Bisexuals face unique challenges that may affect their ability to cope with invalidation from others. This invalidation can lead to negative effects such as decreased self-esteem, increased anxiety, and depression.
There is limited research exploring how bisexual individuals develop resilience and coping mechanisms in response to invalidation.
Research suggests that bisexuals experience more stigma than those who identify as heterosexual or homosexual. They are often stereotyped as promiscuous, confused, or going through a phase, leading to rejection from both sides of the LGBTQ+ community.
They may be isolated due to family, social, or religious beliefs that reject non-monogamy or same-sex attraction. These experiences can cause biphobia, internalized biphobia, shame, and distress, which leads to feelings of isolation, alienation, and loneliness.
Some studies have shown that bisexuals develop resilience strategies to cope with this invalidation. Some common strategies include denial, minimization, acceptance, and normalization of negative messages. Denial involves ignoring or downplaying one's sexual orientation while minimizing its importance. Acceptance involves accepting oneself despite outside pressures. Normalization means viewing the world as hostile and adjusting behavior accordingly.
Some bisexual people find support groups, therapy, or other resources helpful in developing resilience. They seek out safe spaces where they feel accepted, understood, and valued for their identities. This support network can provide validation, encouragement, and emotional support during challenging times. It can also help them develop coping skills such as self-care, boundary setting, and assertiveness training.
Research on bisexuality and invalidation is limited but suggests that bisexuals face unique challenges. They develop resilience and coping mechanisms by denying, minimizing, accepting, and normalizing negative messages. Support networks can help bisexuals build self-confidence and learn healthy coping skills.
How does bisexuality impact resilience and coping mechanisms under conditions of chronic invalidation?
Bisexuality can influence resilience and coping abilities under situations of persistent rejection or dismissal in various ways. According to research, bisexual individuals are more likely than their gay or lesbian counterparts to experience discrimination and prejudice from both heterosexual and homosexual communities, which may undermine self-esteem, mental health, and social support (Hatzenbuehler et al. , 2016).